"not a great experience "

I had facet joint cortisone injections to try and help with my chronic sciatica and lumbar pain. I live alone so needed to arrange transport from Eastbourne to Crowborough. I wasn't informed until after 6pm the night before my procedure what time I was to expected to arrive(11.30 am) I was correctly informed not to eat after 8am and only drink allowed was "plain water" I asked when my op would be (trying to get an idea of return times) I was informed that they didn`t know . I arrived in good time and waited in the waiting room for over two hours as there wasnt a room available. All around are signs saying, amongst other things, that you must drink water to avoid DVT. I took a sip of water and eventually was shown into a small cubicle/ room with two chairs . alone again I sipped another sip of water . Nurse came in to take details and asked whenI last ate or drank, I said I had just had a mouthful of water to which I was told (after a stealy stare) that Iam not to drink within two hours of my op, I hadnt been told this she said that I wasnt the first to say this. The nurse said she had to speak with the consultant to see if I could still have my op (but it was 1pm and as my op was booked for 3pm that gives the two hours clear space?) I was told I could have the procedure but nothing else prepared me for what was to happen. I walked down to theatre at 2.20pm . Theatre staff were great chatty and reasuring especially when I shared my concerns for any pain that migh occure " you will be fine and not feel anything but be able to hear us give you instructions " and a canular was fitted into my hand. Consultant came in and proceded with the op warning me that the first needle was going in now " OMG it was agony I was screaming and crying with each and every needle into my facet joints (6 in total), afterwards he said what he had done for their records incluing" No anelgesic,anesetic or sedation " to which they said " what you didn`t give her any sedation? no wonder she was screaming " the reply was " no she had been drinking " It was a terrifying experience I couldnt understand why I couldnt have had it done at my allotted time or why the person phoning me to tell me what time to arrive hadnt said that I wasnt allowed to drink anything , but as they were not aware of what time my op was then they couldnt say " no drink after this or that time " I feel there is a break down in communication here and i had to suffer for it .

The nursing staff were however compassionate and caring I left at 5pm and the only positive I can gain was that I didn`t have to come round from a sedative etc so was less drousy although that might have aided the pain after the procedure where I needed oral pain relief as I was in pain